The Lake View....Sunday, August 26, 2012

Folks, the lake is stormy today.  I have been flabbergasted about of few things in our community.  First let me warn some of you that this post may make you angry because you don't agree and that's fine.  Just know that I am speaking my mind/heart.  If what I say here offends, distrubs or surprises you, please let me know, I would love to discuss. Now, with that being said....

What I've seen lately reminds me of a quote by Dave Chappell as Rick James, "they shoulda never let you Ni$$as have any money"...may not be exact but, here's my point.  I am a two year subscriber to O magazine.  Not because I just love the magazine, but because it's a magazine owned by a black woman and I want to support her.  I don't have a ton of time to read the mag, with all my Facebooking, emailing and TV watching, but I take it with me when I know I will have down town, like spending time at the salon.  Yesterday, was just that opportunity.  I take with me the August issue of the magazine and with no expectations on what I'll find in the pages, I began to read the magazine while under the dryer.  What began to immediately grab me, was the lack of advertisements, magazine contributors, etc that looked like or were geared toward me, a Black woman. As a result of my disappointment, I put the magazine away and picked up The Total Money Make Over, much better for me. However, I digress.

So this got me to thinking and re-affirmed why I am lukewarm on Oprah.  I know her staunch fans will say that she is a humanitarian and she does help people, etc.  And I don't disagree, but what I don't see is the humans that she helps looking like she and I.  I think about why I didn't really watch her show, it's because it seemed she pandered to her white audience.  I thought it was great that she started a school in Africa, educating young African girls, but why not helping the Black Americans, that are like you here.  A school right here in the States, that teaches girls how to be leaders.  I think about her network.  Which is absolutely a fabulous thing, but....I would've liked to see her fill some of the gaps are community experiences on the major networks, like cancelling our shows willy nilly.  Oprah is a King/Queen maker...Rachel Ray, Dr. Phil, the interior designer guy...to name a few.  I just haven't seen that crown placed on someone that looks like me.

Now Michael tells me that when Oprah visited Gabby Douglas, she interviewed her host family in Iowa, not her biological Mom & Dad.  For real?  And now, tonight, she's interviewing the Kardashian's (side bar: who the hell cares about them and what they are doing? Seriously, do they need any help being lifted up?) Michael says she brought her whole damn company and she's the only Black person in the room, except Kanye...oh yeah, he wasn't there.  Are you serious right now?  There are not any Black people/African-Americans that have the skills that would allow them to work in your company, Ms. Winfrey?  I see this as a problem. 

I just would have liked to see more balance from her in the choices, executive decisions that she has made.  I want to see Black folks in the public eye "wear our t-shirt".  Every other culture lifts up each other for the good of the community, but it doesn't seem we do that.  Why not?  Can you tell me why?

On to LeBron James and his new shoes with Nike.  I saw them, but I didn't know the cost of them.  I am ashamed of Michael Jordan for endorsing shoes with Nike that cost $100+ .  But Mom tells me LeBron's shoes are $300.  Mr. James, you have got to be freakin' kidding me.  How can you let Nike use you like that and exploit your community in that manner.  Who are the one's that are going to try to purchase these shoes?  Really who needs $300 gym shoes?  And that's all they are, gym shoes.  You need to stop, it was just last week you were strugglin' and you could be back there in a week.  C'mon, really?  Is it really all about the individual?  What about the community, what about taking care of the least of these?  So I am done with him too.

My last bitch is about this violence in Chicago.  It literally makes me sick to my stomach to hear about sooooooo many shootings in the city and the only hope for it to stop is that the weather change will cause them SOB's to go inside.  This is ridiculous.  Why aren't people outraged enough to do something about it and hold people accountable to helping solve the problem.  Where is the President on this issue, it's on par or worst than the soldiers dying in Afghanistan?  Where is the Mayor on this issue?  Why were they able to have the summit there, without incident and you can't do anything to stop the violence? Folks we have to wake up, we have to care about each other.. yes you are your brother's/sister's keeper. We have to hold our police, elected officials and any other public servant on our payroll accountable to help us solve this problem  And most importantly, we need to hold each other accountable.  We need to start telling what we see and what we know.  We need to stop hiding these murderers.  If they are under age, we need to hold their parents accountable.  Enough is enough and too much stinks.  Well Chi-town is funky right now.

Whew, I'm tired now.  I needed to get all that off my chest and put it in the lake.  There's more there, but I'm feeling better now.  Thank you for the opportunity.  I feel the lake calming.  Take care of you and your brother/sister. MAKE SURE YOU ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE AND MAKE SURE YOU VOTE. THERE IS NO EXCUSE NOT TOO.

The Lake View.....Sunday, August 19, 2012

It's a bit cool by the lake, but the waters are calm. 

What a weekend it has been.  We took David Michael to school this weekend.  Our first born son is off to college.  He is a freshman at NDSU, majoring in manufacturing engineering. It was bittersweet time.  I think his Dad is taking it a bit harder, but Mom on the other hand, is handling things surprisingly well.

I am so proud of his accomplishments thus far.  I am proud of the young man he is becoming.  Through this journey thus far, I can tell he will be a man that handles his business first.  A man who seems serious of about his career and education.  He has been a pleasure to raise and we have been so blessed to be his parents. So I say thank you to God first and to everyone that has supported and participated in making this young man.  We all have great hopes for him and I think he has great hopes for himself.  So let's sit back and watch him sprout his wings..from the lake.

In other news, NATM's movie event was Sparkle and 3/4's of the McCoy's went to check it out.  Barb, Tasha and her Mom joined us.  It was a good film, very entertaining, good acting and good music/singing.  Now, NATM's movie events take place at the Showplace Icon theater in St. Louis Park.  They have a VIP lounge and theater that allows you to take cocktails in the movie theater.  I love the concept, but oftentimes the films with all black or predominately black casts, don't get to VIP.  I am contemplating if we should move the venue or if I should speak with the manager to understand how we could influence that...what do you think?

Lastly what has been on my mind is this voter registration hijacking that is happening in States across the country.  They are passing laws that require folks to show id's in order to vote, they are shortening voter time in districts, etc...every nasty ploy in the book.  The problem is that there isn't more outrage about this.  My people died, DIED for the right to vote, we can not be so apathetic to allow racist people to #$*& with that.  So I am going to do something.  There's a march going on next Saturday and I plan to be apart of it.  What are you going to do?

That's what's going on down by the lake.  Until next time...stay breezy!

The Lake View....Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Well it's a Tuesday and it is at this very moment that I have mixed emotions about everything.  We, my family and I are on the precipice of change.  I'll rewind a bit.  As you know our eldest son will be heading off to college.  We drove to Chicago on Saturday, after we attending David Michael's "graduation" from his summer internship at KFAI radio. Which, by the way, was a really nice ceremony and it was such a pleasure for us to hear how wonderful the folks there think he is.  He also made a connection with the President of the program who is committed to helping him get to Japan. 

So we then went to Chicago, so my family could see him post HS graduation, pre-freshmen year. It was awesome how the family gathered to show their love and support.  We are all so very proud of him and excited for his time in his life.  I hope he keeps in touch with them, heck with us too.  It was really cool to see the next generation of the family, Max, Oscar, Kyley and Kole!

Now that we're back in town, we need to get David Michael all packed and ready to go.  I find myself trying to cram in anything I think I didn't tell him or remind him of.  I can tell he is also racked with mixed emotions of excitement and nervousness.  It dawned on me today as we were out shopping that he could not come back to live here..we will be packing ALL his stuff to take with him.  I am thrilled for this time in his life, but I'm gonna miss him.  Even though he spends most of his time in his room, I know he's there. I haven't cried yet, so I'm wondering when will that happen.  It is all moving so fast.

Well I think that's all for now.  The view from the lake is mixed.....

The Lake View...Sunday, July 22, 2012

What a weekend!!!  Have I got a lot on my mind that I want to share with you at our spot by the lake.  The really important news this weekend was at the midnight showing of the new batman flick, Dark Night Rises, a gunman went on a shooting rampage and killed 12 people and I believe injured 52.  Read the reports to know who the gunman was, it doesn't matter to me as much as the victims of this senseless violence. 

I can't even imagine the terror that those movie goers experienced.  You plan and schedule a night out with friends and family with all excitement and anticipation and one crazed, sick individual turns that to the worst night of you life, transports you to a war zone, for their own sick motives.  WHAT is wrong with people, with our society?  The original three went to see that same movie and I did get a bit nervous while in the theater, reflecting on what I might have attempted to do and how the people might have felt.  Isn't that an act of terrorism?  Shouldn't the perpetrator be treated like a terrorist? 

In the aftermath of this tragedy, political rallies were cancelled and we heard from our President, whom I love and the Mitt, Republican running for office.  The news station ran almost 24/7 coverage of the event and the country was stunned.  And all of this was the perfect response to this tragedy, BUT...this random violence is happening all over the country in major cities every day.  Over one weekend in Chicago, I believe 42 people were injured or killed by random acts of violence..but I didn't see this type of media attention, political rallies weren't cancelled, I don't recall hearing my beloved President say a damn thing.  What's wrong with that?  I will not venture to guess, but it causes me dismay. I have got to find a way to affect change, cause standing by is just not a good look.  So I ask, what is we gon do boss??

My husband, who is pretty funny, said he was proud, President Obama's statement to the people that gathered for his rally today, started with Michelle and I would like to......and being the copy cat that he is, Mitt came out with a statement too, starting with Michelle and I would like to....HI-LARI-OUS!!!  Alittle humor makes it a bit better to handle.

In other weekend news, my trainer started an outdoor boot camp class and it was great.  I never thought I would enjoy exercising as much as I do.  Although I am not quite the die hard as my Mom.  Mrs. Polk is working out everyday, almost two & three times a day.  It's great that we are taking care of ourselves.  I think as we continue to work out, we are modeling the behavior for the next generation.  Perhaps this is the tide to turn the tables on obesity.  It's the new fad.  You can see it on FB with all the Black Women Do Workout, the before and after pics, etc.  If you haven't joined the workout wagon train, you should.  Just do a little bit more every day...they say it takes 21 days to make a habit.  That sounded good right, well it ain't that easy, but just keep doing it..it's not a goal it's a journey, a lifestyle.  So "Yea!"  to Chrissy the trainer.....see you next class. Body by Chrissy!!

The last couple things I just need to express are thanks to my friend Barb for making it to Church today.  I love to worship with you, although we were separated by the Peterson's..it's OK, I can share.  And also thanks for listening to me and counseling me on life's tests.  Actually your advice worked very well..things turned out.

And the other thing is I miss my friend.  If you are reading this, you know who you are.  It is an obvious void in the stratosphere.  So know that I love you and miss you terribly!

Alright, enjoy the Lake breeze until next time.....

The Lake View...Sunday, July 8, 2012

And here we are again on the brink of a new week at the Lake. 

The past week has been interesting from the Lake point of view.  The biggest highlight was having the 4th of July off, which fell in the middle of the week.  I don't know maybe I'll work 4 10 hour days and take Wednesdays off. Especially during the summer...hmmmm!

As you know the 4th of July is the celebration of the independence of the United States.  Now, I love this country and would not want to live in any other place, however I don't get, nor appreciate the types of political tomfoolery that goes on in this fair land.  What the heck is it to hold the Attorney General in contempt of court???  What is it to contradict the Supreme Court's decision on Health Care plan???  And what is it to restrict Americans from voting???  Are you feeling me???  I think Chris Rock may have something with his tweet.  I don't want to make this a rant on politics but I'm just a bit ti-red!!!!

Something else rippling the Lake is the violence that's going on in Chicago, but across the country, especially in neighborhoods where the neighbors look like me.  Here's what I don't understand, where's the outrage from the neighbors in the community? In order to get something to change you can't keep doing what you've been doing. We need to hold our elected officials, those civil servants that work for us, accountable to supporting the resolution of the problems that plague us.  But we also HAVE TO HOLD OURSELVES ACCOUNTABLE to solve our own problems as well. 

I think as parents we go wrong by not teaching our young people respect for themselves, respect for others and respect for property. We need to set goals for our children and make them know that they have to meet them, making good grades and graduating from elementary school and High School. Setting stretch goals of getting BA, Masters and Doctorate degrees.  If you tell a child that's what you expect, that's what they will try to achieve.  And if I kids are being bad actors, we need to hold them accountable.  We should not allow our children to be terrorists.

We need the City Officials to stop the guns from easily flowing into our community.  I believe some how there is some profit/gains there that we don't know about. I'm just saying....We need the city to invest money in our public schools and after school enrichment programs.

We need our Federal Government to make education, reducing/eliminating city violence and our children to be PRIORITY number one.

I think these are just a few ideas from the Lake.  I'm sure there are sharper heads than mine that can come up with and implement greater ideas.  But I think most importantly the people in the neighborhoods need to stand up and DEMAND and TAKE action!

See you at the Lake............

The Lake View...Sunday, July 1, 2012

It has actually been at least 6 months since I shared with you the view from the lake. Well needless to say the lake has had it's moments.  It's been rocky and it's been calm.

First off,  I have to share my feelings about the most important event that happened thus far this year is David Michael's graduation from High School.  Although this was an expected accomplishment and was going to happen no matter what, it is still a very proud moment for his father and I.  It marks the beginning of his "real" journey to his independence.  I am so excited for him, for this time in his life.  I am also very happy that he is entering this new phase of his life, with no real bagage and quite effortlessly. He is going to attend NDSU for their engineering program  We just visited the campus to complete registration, so he's all set.  Move in day is August 18th & 19th, with classes starting on August 20th.  Now it's a matter of financials and we're all set.  Oh I'm gonna miss him something fierce, but I'm soooooo excited for him.  Yeah David Michael!

My boobear, Maddison celebrated her 15th birthday.  She is growing up to be quite the young lady.  Her summer plans are cheer camp.  I am proud of her in pursuing the thing she likes.  I see her confidence in her abilities, which is great.  That's my girl!!!

But then there has been some heartache at the Lake.  A very dear friend has moved away for a while and I miss him terribly.  He's very busy now so we don't get to talk at all, when we used to talk all the time. I miss his take on things, I miss him making me laugh. I hope to see him, hear him again.  Things are just not the ame without him.

I think that's enough for now.  There is so much to share and talk about so I'll be back.

Until the lake ripples again.....

The Lake View, Thursday, 11.3.2011

Well, well, well....it's been 6 mos since I last shared my thougths with you. Where do I begin?  Well you can tell by the date that we are embarking on winter but the weather here in MN is quite nice.  What has transpired since I last posted you may ask?  Believe it or not, nothing and everything!  It was a fun summer, made the customary trips to Chicago. Totally enjoyed every minute of my visits as I always do.  It is so amazing the relationship my Mom and I have.  One of the drives to Chi was to celebrate a milestone birthday. We have so much fun together it's great.  We did the Spa thing and it was a blast.  We laughed so much!  We had facials and massages, it was my first professional massage, it was fabulous.  I went to sleep it was soooooo relaxing.  Will definitely must do it again.

This year was my Auntie's 90th birthday.  Unfortunately I didn't go back home for the fabulous occasion. But the pictures would indicate that she had a great time and lots of family/friends came out to celebrate.  I did speak with her on her special day to wish her a Happy Birthday.  Love ya Auntie!!

Michael and the kids went to the McCoy/Whitt family reunion in Baltimore.  Nope I didn't go with them, I went home.  They had fun and so did I.  Separate vacations aren't soo bad. Speaking of vacations, the company travel club is sponsoring a cruise to Spain in Nov. 2012.  What is so ironic is Spain is on my bucket list, as is a cruise, and it's during my birthday month!!! How great is that?  God brought that trip to me.  Although, I may not be able to go, especially if David goes to Japan with his Japanese class.

So in more current news, it's November 2011, my birthday month and I hope to get it in during the WHOLE month!  Maybe it'll just be every weekend we'll get into something.  For starters we'll get it in @ Thom Pham's and then perhaps 1st Friday's @ the Lounge!  That's a good start.  Oh and then there's Saturday night, Cage fight with Tillie...OMG!

I will come back and let you know how it all panned out.  Oh yeah, Tyrese's new CD dropped 11/1/11. Thanks to the fam for getting it for me.  It's got a couple tunes I like.  But believe it or not he's cussing and I don't think I like cussing in my music...at least not from him.  I"m sure it'll grow on me, but I have liked his older stuff better...like I've enjoyed the whole CD, not so much on this one.  But I'm still his biggest fan!!!

Until the lake ripples again,